Injuries to a man in Bristol, initially attributed to an explosion, were actually the result of an accidental discharge of a shotgun, authorities said.

Firefighters responded to Carl Bailey Road on Thursday night for a report of an explosion. James T. Ftizpatrick, 63, was taken to Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta with injuries to his left leg and hand.

That night, Maine State Police responded with the bomb squad to make sure the building was safe so investigators could get inside. Police said they have determined that Fitzpatrick had a shotgun next to his chair and that it accidentally discharged, injuring him.

The injuries were consistent with an explosion because wood from the chair had been damaged in the blast and contributed to the injuries, police said.

Fitzpatrick is in stable condition, according to a hospital spokesman.


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